The Pack Heavy Podcast Hayden Thomson
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- Business
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Join Hayden Thomson as he hosts The Pack Heavy Podcast, a must-listen show for business owners and operators competing in the CPG and food processing industries.
Featuring insightful interviews with industry leaders and special guests, this podcast shares valuable knowledge on the challenges, failures and successful strategies that have shaped their businesses.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, tune in weekly to help prioritize what matters most and take your business to the next level.
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130. A Conversation with Alice Grey - Founder and CEO of iHeart Fat Fudge Foods Inc.
Established in 2020 and situated in Langley, BC, Mindful Monk creates functional and delicious dark chocolate snacks. Alice, the driving force behind the business exclusively utilizes pure monk fruit juice as the sweetener for her chocolates - a first within the category.
During our long and winding conversation, among many things Alice revealed her genuine dedication to well-being - both in life and through her business.
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Find Alice & Mindful Monk here:
Web: https://mindfulmonk.co/
IG: @mindfulmonksnacks
Email: alice@mindfulmonk.co
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👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3
Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C
Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn
👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here
👉 Instagram here
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak
👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com -
129. A Conversation with Melinda Divers, CEO & Founder of Moonshine Mama’s Elixirs & Tonics
In today's episode, Melinda takes us on a journey through the foundational story of Moonshine Mama's. Starting with her motivation for natural health and healing after a stage 3 cancer diagnosis in 2011, right through to the development and launch of the business crafting activated turmeric elixirs on Salt Spring Island. Discover some of the challenges Mel overcame, her passion for natural ingredients and how Moonshine Mama's continues to nourish and revitalize health-conscious individuals nationwide!
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Find Mel & Moonshine Mama’s here:
Web: https://moonshinemamas.ca/
IG: @moonshinemamaselixirs
Email: mel@moonshinemamas.ca
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👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3
Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C
Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn
👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here
👉 Instagram here
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak
👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com -
128. Mastering your COGS for Optimal Profitability with Dominica Bay of PLNT LIFE Brand Accelerators
It was a pleasure sitting down again with Dominica, who graciously bestowed us with her invaluable insights across a broad spectrum of subjects. From providing a comprehensive overview of this year's Planted Expo to delving into the mechanics of improving your COGS.
Dominica and I also explore the challenges and opportunities that the CPG industry presents, while shedding some light on some essential qualities necessary for entrepreneurs to flourish in this constantly evolving industry. Prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and educate all aspiring CPG business owners and operators.
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PLNT LIFE Brand Accelerators (founded in 2020 and located in Vancouver, BC) offers a range of services to help food based CPG businesses bring their ideas to life. With a passion for innovation, PLNT LIFE will work with you to find the most exciting ingredients, trends and innovation to help your brand launch or expand out into the world.
In addition to product development, PLNT LIFE also provides full service support including web & graphic design, social media management and product photography as well as finding the right co-packer, distributor and broker to help you achieve your business goals.
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Find Dominica & PLNT Life here:
Web: https://www.plntlife.com/
IG: @plntlife_brand_accelerators
Email: dominica@plntlife.com
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👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3
Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C
Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn
👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here
👉 Instagram here
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak
👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com -
127. Revolutionizing Gluten-Free Delicacies: A Candid Conversation with Chae and Jim Kim, Co-Founders of Earthling Foods
In 2020, Chae and Jim founded Earthling Foods, a dedicated gluten-free specialty production bakery located in Port Coquitlam. Their expertise lies in crafting exquisite gourmet Dacquoise, which they recently rebranded and trademarked as Dacarons™.
During our extensive conversation, we explore various topics including the inspiring founding story, their recent rebranding journey and some of the unique production methods that they have employed.
Thanks to their extensive distribution network, Earthling Foods' signature creation, Dacarons™, can be enjoyed in over 80 locations. These establishments consist of a select group of independently owned, third-wave cafés that align perfectly with the ethos of Earthling Foods. To ensure widespread availability, the distribution of Dacarons™ is facilitated by Sysco Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria, further cementing their reach and impact.
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Find Chae & Jim @ Earthling Foods here:
Web: https://www.earthlingfoods.ca/
IG: @earthlingglutenfree
Email: info@earthlingfoods.ca
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👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3
Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C
Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn
👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here
👉 Instagram here
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak
👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com -
126. Year 1 in the books with Miki Talebi, Founder and CEO of oomé
On for a second time, Miki and I jump deeper into oomé’s first year of business with a big focus on the wins and challenges that have shaped their business model.
Miki's startup journey will resonate with many entrepreneurs who have encountered typical obstacles and critical decision points in the food production industry.
If you're someone who dreams of turning your idea into reality I recommend going back to episode 95 to hear Miki’s initial startup story prior to listening to this episode. Together, both episodes serve as a powerful example of how much can be achieved within a single year when you commit 100% of yourself to your vision & business.
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Find Miki & oomé here:
Web: https://www.thisisoome.com/
IG: @thisisoome
LinkedIn: Miki Talebi
Email: miki@thisisoome.com
Brand and packaging design by Tyler Quarles @ https://www.quarles.studio/
Product Photography: Abby Wiseman @ http://abbywiseman.ca/
Miki’s book recommendations:
Indra Nooyi - Former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo “My life in full”
Mike Fata - GROW: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur
Phil Knight – “Shoe Dog”: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
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👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3
Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C
Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn
👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here
👉 Instagram here
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak
👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com -
125. CPG Distribution: Tips, Tales and Triumphs with Randy Sihota, Director of Nationwide Natural Foods
During today's chat, Randy generously pulls back the curtain on distribution and provides some great tips for brands currently working with or considering partnering with a distributor. We also dig into the story of his family's rich history in the business and their journey of building their own brand, Wescana Foods. Additionally, we touch on their recent acquisition of What The Flour and Randy sheds some light on the delicate art of balancing business and family life.
Get ready for an engaging conversation that offers practical advice and some fun anecdotes from the world of CPG distribution.
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Randy leads his family business, Nationwide Natural Foods - A distributor that specializes in a wide variety of natural, organic, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian products to retailers across Canada. Their extensive product range includes their own Wescana Foods and most recently What The Flour, along with a variety of other great brands all catering to diverse consumer preferences.
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Find Randy here:
Web: https://nnfd.ca/
Cell : 778 885 0348
LinkedIn: Randy Sihota
Email: randy@nnfd.ca
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👉 Check out this episode & leave a rating & review on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fb2hC3
Apple: https://apple.co/3uyFrzC
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Fxz99C
Podbean: https://bit.ly/3hbBPAn
👉 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn here
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn here
👉 Instagram here
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak
👉 If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Customer Reviews
Great listen!
Definitely recommend, check it out!